Strategies, Techniques, and Approaches to Thinking: Critical Thinking Cases in Nursing

This hands-on resource presents realistic case studies and patient care scenarios encountered in the clinical setting, designed to help readers develop critical thinking skills for nursing practice. Using a straightforward, readable approach, it establishes a fundamental knowledge base and reinforces key nursing concepts and principles. It guides readers through the application, analysis, and synthesis of knowledge in clinical situations, while also integrating learned knowledge and critical thinking into the nursing process tradition.

Table of Contents:
SECTION ONE: COGNITIVE-BUILDING CRITICAL THINKING ACTIVITIES 1. Vital Signs 2. Temperature 3. Pulse 4. Respiration 5. Blood Pressure 6. Body Mechanics 7. Hygiene 8. Infection Control/Transmission of Organisms 9. Skin Integrity 10. Communication 11. Reporting Patient Status 12. Introduction to the Assessment Process 13. Basic Physical Assessment 14. Self-Concept 15. Cultural Aspects of Nursing 16. Introduction to Formulating a Nursing Diagnosis 17. Formulating a Nursing Diagnosis 18. Assessment of the Elderly Patient 19. Caring for the Surgical Patient 20. Wound Assessment 21. Wound Dressings - NEW! 22. The Patient with Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance 23. Elimination-Urinary 24. Elimination-Bowel 25. General Nutrition 26. Gastrointestinal Tract 27. Diabetes Mellitus 28. Complication of Diabetes Mellitus 29. Insulin Therapy 30. Legal Considerations in Nursing Practice Review Questions - NEW! SECTION TWO: PRIORITY-SETTING AND DECISION-MAKING ACTIVITIES 1. The Patient Undergoing Surgery 2. The Patient with an Intestinal Obstruction 3. The Patient with a Colostomy 4. The Patient with Colon Cancer 5. The Patient with TPN 6. The Patient with Cirrhosis of the Liver 7. The Patient with Hepatic Encephalopathy 8. The Patient with Diabetes Mellitus 9. The Patient Undergoing Hemodialysis 10. The Patient with Peripheral Arterial Disease 11. The Patient with Chest Pain 12. The Patient with CHF 13. The Patient with a CVA 14. The Patient with COPD 15. The Patient with a Chest Tube 16. The Patient with Urosepsis 17. The Patient with a TURP 18. The Patient Receiving a Blood Transfusion 19. The Patient with Neutropenia 20. The Patient with a Hip Fracture 21. The Patient with a Fractured Tibia 22. The Patient with Cataract Surgery 23. The Patient with a Seizure Disorder 24. The Patient with a DNR Order 25. Legal Considerations SECTION THREE: APPLYING THE CRITICAL THINKING MODEL Clinical Situation #1 - #22 SECTION FOUR: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP 1. Working with Staff 2. Dealing with Change 3. Delegation and Problem-Solving 4. Ethical Dilemma 5. Professional Performance and Evaluation 6. Working with a Culturally Diverse Staff - NEW! SECTION FIVE: APPLYING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS TO TEST QUESTIONS APPENDIX A: Abbreviations - NEW! APPENDIX B: Commonly Used Words & Phrases - NEW! Bibliography

About the Author :
Sandra Luz Martinez de Castillo, Faculty Emeritus, Contra Costa College, San Pablo, California.